National News

'Duck Dynasty' Family Stands By Phil Robertson

The "DuckDynasty" family is flocking to Phil Robertson's side. The patriarch has been suspended by A&E in the wake of controversial comments he made in a magazine interview that some have deemed homophobic and racist. The Robertsons say in a statement that Phil's "unfiltered comments" may have been "coarse," but his "beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible." They also call the 67-year-old a "Godly man" who would "never incite or encourage hate." As for Phil's indefinite hiatus from the "DuckDynasty" TV show, the family says they are disappointed that he was suspended for expressing his faith. They say they can't imagine the show going forward without him, and are currently in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of "DuckDynasty."

Meanwhile, a 2010 video has surfaced showing Phil Robertson speaking about the "sin" of same-sex relationships at a church in Pennsylvania. In the YouTube clip, he argues that gay men and women are heartless, ruthless, and "full of murder."